India's shocking 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the recently concluded Test series has plunged the side into crisis.
Earlier this week, the visiting team gave India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, contrary to predictions. It was the Proteas' first series win in India in 25 years and India's second home series loss in just 12 months after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The momentum built over the previous half-year has almost disappeared and the careers of a number of cricketers - along with team coach Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.
Early Optimism Disappears
The young team's commendable display in the UK this summer, under a fresh leadership, suggested a seamless changeover following the close together exits of veterans R Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
An easy 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the beginning of the domestic season enhanced that perception, till the South Africans arrived to deliver a crushing loss.
India were a tad unfortunate that captain Shubman Gill suffered an injury early on in the first Test and took no further part in the contest. However, that fails to account for the squad of the well below standard showing in both Tests against South Africa.
Several established players suffered, and several players hoping for lengthy Test careers were revealed to be still inadequate - in skill or mindset - for the longer format.
A Troubling Pattern
This was the second whitewash at home endured by India in just more than a year. In 2024, underestimated the Kiwis had secured a remarkable 3-0 victory which effectively cost the hosts a spot in the WTC final.
The latest loss to the Proteas could damage the team's chances of making the decider of this cycle also.
From number three in the WTC table ahead of the matches, India have dropped to number five. Although nine additional matches are yet to be played, half of these are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, performing in familiar conditions would be a significant benefit - even when facing the powerful Australians. However the failures against the Kiwis and the Proteas leave little scope for such comfort.
Causes of the Fall
The national team's frailty in the longer format has been significantly highlighted. That said, why India have fared so badly in Test matches on home soil in recent times is continues to confuse.
Since the turn of the century, the Indian cricket team were regarded as unbeatable in Test cricket at home. In demanding climates and on surfaces that assisted spinners and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India dominated all comers. A rare failure, like in the 2012-13 season against the English, was viewed as an exception.
Now, the team appear to be vulnerable at home.
Against the Kiwis in 2024 and the Proteas this year, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The tracks they curated to help their style failed miserably, as rivals exploited them better, beating the home team's players when it counted the most.
What's Gone Wrong?
A few experts argue that India is failing at home because domestic pitches have been modified from spinning tracks to quick wickets to prepare players to succeed abroad.
Some point out that the IPL, in which many overseas players participate, has taken away the surprise and difficulty home wickets would pose to them in the past.
While there is validity in these views, it fails to account for the reason the team's showings on home soil have experienced such a staggering decline.
Several Weaknesses
Many past stars diagnose a complicated issue, not limited to a few causes.
Analysts and squad members have identified various flaws post India's embarrassing defeat to the Proteas: underrating the rivals, lack of preparation, questionable picks, arrogance, regular alterations of the starting eleven, and emphasizing limited-overs over Test cricket.
This was obvious in the displays of the side.
Players like Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, suffered for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were aiming to establish their spot in the side - were found wanting in ability and attitude, facing the fallout for their nonchalant approach.
Only a handful - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Sundar - lived up to their talent and reputation - but not well enough to claim wins.
Coaching Scrutiny
The analysis targeted not only the cricketers - the selection panel and support staff were also criticized, fuelled by upset followers and critical former players. In the spotlight of the criticism was team coach Gautam Gambhir.
During his post-series press
